When Moe asked me to do a guest post for Goal Week, I first thought, well what do I know about goals? So then I really started thinking, and I decided that I actually do know something about goals. First of all, I used to be an athlete. Second, I am almost a year out of college, halfway through a Master's program and working at a job that is not in my field of study. I have nothing but goals.

I really think that if you can believe something, then you can make it happen. As a competitive swimmer and runner in high school, I used to spend time just daydreaming about winning races and getting a specific time in each of my events. But you learn very quickly that positive thinking will only get you so far on a cross-country course. I think that my experience with sports really paved the way for the manner in which I make and achieve goals for everything else.

This is what I know:

1. Think positively.
You have to believe deeply that you can accomplish whatever it is that you set out to do. You deserve success, and you can be successful! Don't get caught up in tiny details or doubt. You can do anything you set your mind to!

2. Start making moves.
Dreams and ambiguous thoughts aren't going to get you very far on their own. To make your goal a reality you need to start taking steps that will put you on your way. Team up with a friend, start eating healthily, write the first page of that novel. You won't get anywhere if you don't start somewhere.

Go back to #1. Daydream a bit and remind yourself that you're capable of accomplishing your goal.

4. Track your progress.

Make lists. Keep track of how far you've come and how much further you have to go.

5. Celebrateyour successes along the way.

I try to have a giveaway or a special post on my blog every time I reach a readership goal. Take yourself out to dinner. Eat some chocolate. Watch that movie you've been putting off. Do a couple twirls around your bedroom. Be happy when you make progress! You're on your way.

6. Keep at it.

Self explanatory. Don't give up.

I think that if you can keep a positive attitude and stay motivated, you can reach all your goals, whether they are health, career, relationship or whatever-related. Work hard and never stop believing. You've got this!

4.25.2011

Well, hey there! Amy from A is for Ampersand here, and I'm just tickled to be guest posting here on Moe's lovely blog.

When I saw Moe's 20 before 24 project, I just knew I had to be a part. Goal setting is huge part of my life, and I might be a little embarrassed to admit how much I love making lists. It's a compulsion, really. I make lists for everything from goals for my work day to what to craft this weekend. I find that without writing things down my mind just races out of control until I wind up in a state of overwhelmed apathy with no desire to do anything but eat Sea Salt and Black Pepper chips on my couch. Yes, this happens. And often.

Anyway, if you are looking for a fun way to incorporate list making/goal setting into your life, try keeping an inspiration journal--a notebook jam packed with pretty pictures of inspiring things, quotes, and ideas. I've found that keeping my to-do lists alongside of things that inspire me keeps me motivated and excited about things to come instead of dreading them.

While you can use any old notebook for an inspiration journal, I like to use homemade fabric-covered journals. They're incredibly easy to make and turn out just lovely! (Also, I’m sure there’s a bajillion tuts out there about making fabric journals, so if you know of a better way, that’s great! This way is super fast and something I just concocted in 15 mins, so feel free to make yours ten times more awesome than these!)

You’ll need the following supplies:

A nice little journal

Spray adhesive (I got mine at Michaels for like…$5?)

Fabric (I used vintage sheets. Supa cheap!)

1. Lay your journal on the fabric and cut around it, leaving 1/2″ or so. You’re just going to cut this edge off at the end, so it doesn’t matter how much/little room you leave.

2. Spray the fabric with the spray adhesive and lay that journal all up in it. Press around all the edges to get things nice and stuck and then fold it over! You want to hurry and fold it so you can make sure all the wrinkles are out.

3. Once that baby is dry, just trim off the excess. If you want, you can make your fabric long enough so that you can fold it over the edges nicely. I, however, was feeling lazy, so I just went with a raw edge.

4. There is no 4! You’re done! You might want to throw some fray check on there if you’ve got it on hand, but raw edges aint no thang for this project. Now just fill your pretty journal up with all things lovely to uplift you and keep you motivated!

Here's a little sneak peek into my current inspiration journal.

So go forth and goal set in your pretty new inspiration journals! I promise your list making will take on a whole new meaning when meshed with things that inspire and motivate you. Have fun!

PS. Don't forget to check out the link parties in the Side Bar or click here!

H E L L O ! !

I'm Moe, a 9-5er, Southern at Heart, Indiana transplant & sweet tea enthusiast who believes she should try her hand at something new every day. Five Sixteenths is a blog about living a fulfilling & creative life one moment at a time.